Amid buzz over whether the prime minister might resign and the aftermath of last week’s bomb and arson attacks, Thailand soft-opened its long-delayed new parliament building to the surprise of many who hadn’t seen it before.
As photos of the Sappaya-Sapasathan – rough translation: Council of Peace – spread online, people pointed out that the cosmologically influenced architecture reminded them of a location in the massively popular, vintage role-playing game, Ragnarok.
“From this [bird’s-eye view], I think of Morroc in Ragnarok,” Instagram user Cloudydragonteam recently commented on a July 27 satellite photo of the new
parliament.
The first parliamentary session was held in the new building Wednesday, with House Speaker Chuan Leekpai presiding, despite the fact that construction is not complete. Lawmakers had been meeting in rented auditoriums since the former parliament, located on royal land in the old quarter, was closed at the start of the year.
The official website last month put construction at 65% complete.
Ground was broken 19 years ago by then-Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn and the scale of the project saw it turn into a boondoggle, ultimately taking 20 years to complete for over THB23 billion (US$750 million). It sprawls across nearly half a million square meters.
The shape gamers recognize is a layout rooted in ancient Hindu cosmology that would be familiar to anyone who has visited ancient Khmer temples. Radiating squares surround a central spire symbolizing Mt. Meru, the center of the universe.
The archetypal form is what’s causing deja vu for those more familiar with game maps than reality. User 9goong said the structure resembles another Ragnarok location, Al De Baran.
Since the Sun Chamber meant for the lower house is not yet ready, legislators instead convened in the 350-seat Moon Chamber meant for the junta-appointed senate. Hundreds of additional chairs had to be added. Many assembly members were seen wearing facemasks due to dust from the construction.
